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What causes diarrhea?

There are many diarrhea causes – from the food you eat to the stress in your life; from catching a stomach flu while on vacation to taking medications or simply starting your period.1

Preparing food

Eating habits and food

Certain foods and drinks can affect your digestive system.

Image of someone dishing out food to another person

Food poisoning

Food poisoning can happen at home or on vacation, seriously spoiling any occasion.

Woman on a beach with a sunset

Stress & Anxiety

Stress can disrupt your digestive system and lead to diarrhea.

Woman on a bed with hands on her stomach

Stomach Flu

Acute Gastroenteritis occurs frequently in Canada and can result in diarrhea.

Two women sitting in a park together and smiling

Menstruation

Hormonal changes during menstruation can cause women to experience diarrhea monthly, in relation to their periods.

Family members laughing and eating together

Medications

Some people may experience diarrhea as a result of taking certain medications.

Depression

Feeling the pressure?

Read up on ways to cope with life’s stressors.

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Do you have IBS-related diarrhea?

IBS can cause diarrhea. Consult your healthcare professional if you think you may have IBS.

Boy looking at phone

Got a question?

Get the answers to our most commonly asked questions.

  1. Diarrhea. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Web site. http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-dise.... NIH publication 11-2749. January 2011. Updated November 25, 2013. Accessed November 11, 2015.